Man accused in spree: Theft, carjacking, police chase

The crime spree, police said, started about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday when a 33-year-old woman called 911 to report the man had stolen her debit card and $46 at a home on Mahan, investigators said in a statement.(Photo: .)

A 34-year-old man is facing charges after Hazel Park police allege he robbed an acquaintance, carjacked a cab driver then crashed while leading officers on a chase.

The crime spree, police said, started about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday when a 33-year-old woman called 911 to report the man had stolen her debit card and $46 at a home on Mahan, investigators said in a statement.

The man ran off but reappeared about 30 minutes later near 10 Mile and Dequindre, where he pointed a knife at a transportation company worker who was driving a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan and forced him out, according to the release. The 54-year-old tried to climb back in but fell as the suspect drove off.

At about 11:30 p.m., the carjacker returned to the first victim’s home in the stolen vehicle and threatened her before fleeing again, officials reported.

City police stayed nearby in case he returned. They spotted the man at about 12:38 a.m. and tried to pull him over, but he refused, driving on to Interstates 696, 75 and 94, authorities said.

The suspect exited at Van Dyke then hit a Ram pickup, police said. Two 22-year-old Detroit residents inside were taken to a hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.

Meanwhile, Hazel Park police arrested the suspect, who has not been identified, and recovered the weapon used in the alleged carjacking.

The department is seeking charges through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.